Haggen sets food drives

North county Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores will be conducting a food drive to help area food banks.

Haggen stores in Arlington, Marysville, Lake Stevens and Stanwood are slated to participate in the drive, which takes place Nov. 9-18.

“Snohomish County households, organizations, businesses and schools have been generous in helping the food banks who serve so many people in our communities and we hope that will continue,” Haggen spokesperson Becky Skaggs said.

Food donated to the stores will be distributed to local food banks.

Community members can also purchase a pre-stuffed bag of groceries that includes soup, pasta and rice for $5 a piece at participating Haggen stores.

Local food banks have been reporting increasing requests for assistance as unemployment rises and the recession continues, according to a Haggen release.

Haggen operates 33 supermarkets in Washington and Oregon under the Haggen Food & Pharmacy and TOP Food & Drug names.

Library plans programs

Friends of the Library Meeting, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. — Everyone is welcome. The friends are the people who help raise funds for library programs for children, teens and adults. Special Veterans Day meeting at the Local Scoop restaurant, 434 N. Olympic Avenue, Arlington.

Teen Advisory Group, Nov. 17, 3 p.m. — Teens are invited to share their ideas for library programs, purchases and improvements. Volunteer hours offered and snacks provided. Supported by the Friends of the Arlington Library.

Manga Book Group, Nov. 30, 3 p.m. — Are you a fan of manga and anime? Share your enthusiasm with other teens as we discuss your favorites. Supported by the Friends of the Arlington Library.